Separate Channel Layer Method


This method separates each channel into its own layer.
Steps in Photoshop
  1. Select the Channel Pallet
  2. From the channel pallet menu select "Split Channels". This will create three separate files called "Untitl_R", "Untitl_G", and "Untitl_B".
  3. Select Windows -> Arrange -> Horizontal so you can see all three files.
  4. For all three files select the Layers pallet
  5. Select the "Untitl_B" file
  6. Right click the background layer and select Layer from Background. Name this layer "Blue".
  7. Drag the background layer from "Untitl_G" into "Untitl_B"
  8. Rename this layer "Green".
  9. Drag the background layer from "Untitl_R" into "Untitl_B"
  10. Rename this layer "Red".
  11. Right-click on the Background layer in "Untitl_B" and select Delete Layer.
  12. Adjust the opacity of the layers.

Untitl_B should now have three layers called "Red", "Green", and "Blue". At this point you can close and discard Untitl_R and Untitl_G. The Blue layer forms the base and is set at 100% opacity. If you set the Blue layer at anything less than 100% your image will become translucent. Notice the checker-board pattern on the image.

To fix this do the following:

  1. Select Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid color... to create a solid color layer.
  2. In the Color Picker set the RGB values to 128, 128, 128
  3. Move the new layer to the bottom of the pile.

The middle gray layer forms a neutral background for the other layers. You can now adjust the red, green and blue layers.

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